Voting is now open for the second annual Coolest Thing Made in New Jersey competition, presented this year by Withum and powered by NJBIA.

A total of 72 products has been selected for Round 1 based on nominations submitted throughout the state over the past month.

Voting for the initial round, which can be done here, will remain open until 11:50 p.m. on Monday, March 30.

People can vote five times per day, per device, and can be allocated in any way, including voting for the same product more than once.

The 16 products receiving the most votes will advance to the second round.

The Coolest Thing Made in New Jersey competition invites makers of New Jersey-made products to be judged on their creativity, impact, or craftsmanship.

Manufacturing Counts, a partnership between NJBIA and the New Jersey Manufacturing Extension Program (NJMEP), hosts the competition to promote awareness of New Jersey manufacturing.

“It is our honor to shine a spotlight on the products that inspire innovation, power our industries and help improve our everyday life here in New Jersey,” said NJMEP CEO Peter Connolly.

“In seeking out the Coolest Thing Made in New Jersey, we are bringing well-deserved attention to the many companies and their creations that make the Garden State one of the greatest manufacturing states in the nation,” said NJBIA President and CEO Michele Siekerka.

“We’re proud to support an initiative that shines a light on the companies and products driving growth and opportunity across the state,” said Matt Walsh, Partner, Withum Practice Leader – Industrial and Consumer Products.

The winner of the Coolest Thing Made in New Jersey is scheduled to be announced at the State of the State of Manufacturing event in Trenton on May 21.

They will receive an award and coverage of the company and product in upcoming issues of New Jersey Business Magazine and Manufacturing Matters Magazine.

Last year, nearly 40,000 votes were cast online over four rounds of competition before New Jersey company Geared Power won for its innovative BioGuard UVC mask.

For more information about the Coolest Thing Made in New Jersey contest, click here.

NJBIA and NJMEP entered into the Manufacturing Counts formal agreement in 2022 to unite, broaden, and strengthen the support of manufacturing businesses throughout the state.